Migori County, located in Western Kenya, faces many challenges - among them is the ingrained practice of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM). This practice not only strips young girls of their innocence and dignity, but also prevents them from getting an education and a brighter future. In a region where poverty and cultural norms perpetuate these problems, the Kenya Bible Institute has taken a stand of compassion to bring hope and transformation through the spread of the Bible and spiritual readings.
“ It takes courage to speak out in a culture that does not give school-going girls the opportunity to choose their path in life. They don't have a vote and even if they try, their voices will fall on deaf ears in a hostile environment. The current generation of mothers and grandmothers have done this before, why shouldn't their daughters? The cycle continues" said Susan Ndiangui, Women's Ministries Programme Coordinator of the Kenya Bible Institute.
The Kenya Bible Institute initiative highlights challenges like these, providing a platform for girls to challenge harmful traditions. God's Word champions the equality and worth of every human being, giving them hope and courage.
From 19 to 23 June, Migori County in Kenya marked a significant turning point. Collaborating with local partners, Kenya Bible Institute and One Hope International, distributed Bibles and spiritual readings to 12,537 students in 29 schools. This activity aims to strengthen the faith of teenage girls, present a light of hope in the midst of darkness, and offer these vulnerable children an opportunity to engage with God's Word.
One Hope International.
Zedna, a 15-year-old girl who received the Bible said, "I want my future to be better than my parents so that they can realise the importance of education. I also want to live a holy life like a Christian who loves and cares for others through actions, not just words."
I want my future to be better than my parents so that they can realise the importance of education.
“ The Bible has given me strength and hope. I didn't have a Bible before and I hoped that one day I would have one.
Today God has brought the Bible to me. I want to study it earnestly, understand the content of God's word better and later share my faith experience with others, so that they also have the spirit of life like me," Zedna continued.
Sustained Transformation - Future Plans and Prayers
In addition to distributing Bibles, Kenya Bible Institute intends to further mentor the girls who have undergone healing groups and introduce a Trauma Recovery programme (Trauma Healing). In addition, through the Young Samaritan programme, Kenya Bible Institute seeks to change mindsets, empower girls and boys, and foster communities that value human rights over old harmful traditions. Alongside hard work and partnerships, prayer is the pillar of this ministry, as it strives to bring about lasting cultural change and healing.
By providing easy access to God's word, Kenya Bible Institute equips vulnerable girls with the tools to face challenges and realise their true identity of worth in the eyes of the Creator. In the face of entrenched cultural practices that dehumanise women, God's word comes shining a light that empowers, uplifts, and transforms, making Migori County a place of renewed hope, dignity, and love.
Let us pray that:
A shared Bible will leave a lasting imprint on every child who interacts with it.
- These children will later become ambassadors of God's love in the community.
- Children will come to know Christ and gain freedom from every bondage!
- Teachers and churches will rise up and echo the values of God's word in the midst of this generation, especially in the Migori area.
- Kenya has 16 million children and youth. Let's pray that more partners will be called to help meet the needs of the region with youth Bibles so that every child will have his or her own Bible and engage intimately with God's word every day.
Freely quoted and translated from: ubscommunity.org
